VRP // Blog

I challenged my 2017-2018 Spokesmodels to think of a cause that means something to them and to plan a photo shoot designated around their chosen campaign. The ladies worked hard and I'm so proud to present their campaigns to you!!

Ashley's Depression Awareness + Suicide Prevention Campaign

At the age of 9 I was diagnosed with depression. I have always felt alone in this world, being surrounded by friends and family or not I feel alone. Everyday is unpredictable for me I can be happy and chipper or I can be the total opposite and I feel trapped in a hole of sadness.

Sometimes this sadness can last days... weeks... months… it doesn’t go away even on the happy days it’s lingering like a dark cloud. I get the “you seem fine “ or “she wants attention" …. I don’t want the attention I actually ALWAYS feel like people are judging my every moment and I really don’t want you to pay attention most times, and yes I may seem fine. And, so may the person next to you.

You don’t know what a person has been through or what they may be going through and its important to pay attention! I encourage others to be aware of signs because depression can be a huge dark hole that can lead to suicidal thoughts or suicide. When depression gets to this level, you have lost control of your thoughts and it’s hard to step back and realize people do care about you and that people do love you. It is hard to get off of the edge when it seems at that point in time there’s nothing stopping you.

In 2009 My cousin Mariah was 13 when she was bullied at school so bad, that it caused her to take her own life. At thirteen she didn’t find help. She didn’t get a second thought about things. Mariah was a beautiful, free spirited little girl and to this day I still can’t comprehend why …. Yet I understand … people are so cruel no matter who you are inside. People don’t take the time to know that person inside. You don’t know how that person feels inside or what they're going through. I grew up in Florida so I didn’t get to spend much time with Mariah and when I moved here I still didn’t spend as much time as I should have with her. It sticks with me that I could have related with her and been there for her. I want others to know it’s okay to ask for help. And that it's ok to be the help for someone else that needs it.

350 million people worldwide suffer from depression of all levels. 1.6 million people have had at least 1 depressive episode in the current year of their life. 4/5 people are suffering with depression. So look around you …. And be kind. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Over 44,000 deaths each year are by suicide. Even more shocking it is the SECOND leading cause of death in ages TEN-24!

THERE IS HELP... people do love you and care about you and this is not the end of your legacy! For every 1 suicide 25 are attempting and 50 others are contemplating There’s more for you in the world. I am PERSONALLY opening arms to anyone struggling!

1-800-273-8255 is the Suicide prevention hotline! You always have people who care about you even if it’s from afar. I missed my chance don’t miss yours. Look for the signs take time to care. GET HELP/GIVE HELP 😍

If you are interested in doing a Campaign Mini Session about a cause you are passionate about, please email me at booking@visionofrosephoto.com so we can set it up! I would love to work with my clients on a one-on-one basis to bring awareness to even more causes in the world!